Over the past 13 years, the Mural Project, initiated back in 2003 by local community group Towns With Heart, has engaged  local artists to paint murals showcasing the area’s history, heritage and uniqueness.

These days there are over 56 artworks on display across Kurri Kurri,  Abermain, Stanford Merthyr, Weston, Heddon Greta, Pelaw Main and Neath.

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The project  was part of a plan to address  the issue of local unemployment and has activated economic activity along the way, giving visitors the chance to stop off and see what Kurri Kurri has to offer.   

“Over the years  a wide range of artists have been used and all the murals are related to the area’s local history, events and local culture,” Towns With Heart community projects manager Lesley Morris said. “We bring a lot of visitors to the area who come to do mural tours. 

“We organise local volunteers who act as mural guides, taking groups around and giving the history and background stories on each of the artworks.  

“It’s a great time of year to be out and about as the weather warms up and we have a lot of tours booked in.

“Alternatively, if people prefer to do self-guided tours, we have maps available at the Visitors Centre, which people can pick up and then follow at their leisure.”

The tour route  provides visitors numerous opportunities to call in for lunch at some of the character-filled  pubs and restaurants.

“The grand old Heddon Greta Hotel, the oldest in the coalfields, is one particular establishment well placed on the mural route that caters for mural tours and large groups,” Lesley said.

As part of Murals Month, Towns With Heart runs an Art in the Park day in conjunction with the Kurri Kurri Community Markets, which are held on the second Sunday of each month at Rotary Park.

This September, Art in the Park will be held on Sunday, September 10 from 8am to 1pm.

“Art in the Park will feature free activiites for kids and entertainment in conjunction with the market stalls,” Lesley said.

Towns With Heart is an Independent incorporated association which run the Kurri Kurri Visitors Centre and co-ordinates tourism focused events like the Murals Project and the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival.

Tour booking are available by calling the Kurri Kurri Visitors Centre on 49 36 1909 and they will coordinate a tour. Cost is $5 per head which includes a free morning or afternoon tea during Mural Month.

For more information visit www.visitkurrikurri.com.